Watercolor Landscapes

About This Project

This tutorial will help you paint atmospheric and vibrant landscapes using watercolor. You'll learn how to plan your composition, use washes for sky and terrain, and apply depth using layering and contrast techniques.

Watercolor landscape Example

Step-by-Step Tutorial

  1. Sketch your landscape: Lightly outline horizon lines, major shapes, and key landmarks.
  2. Begin with the sky: Use a wet-on-wet wash for soft clouds or gradient skies. Let dry.
  3. Block in the background: Paint distant mountains or trees with cooler, lighter tones.
  4. Add the midground: Use slightly warmer tones and more detail to build visual depth.
  5. Paint the foreground: Use bolder colors and more defined textures to draw attention.
  6. Refine with detail: Add tree branches, ripples in water, or other texture using dry brush.

Video Tutorial

Watch and learn at your own pace: